You’ve already been introduced to parts of the North Shore in Hawaii — Waimea Bay and Laniakea Beach. But what is the North Shore exactly? The North Shore is a laid-back beach town at the northernmost point of Oahu (see map below). Think gorgeous beautiful beaches, gigantic untamed waves, and professional surfing!

Location:

North Shore. Oahu. Hawaii. Hale’iwa is the most popular North Shore town.

North Shore Map, Hawaii

Let’s explore the North Shore!

I love this picture. Peaceful, quietness, in the middle of nowhere.

It wasn’t sunny but gloomy and rainy.

There’s lots of food trucks and shaved ice here, so off we went to find Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck! Not for me, of course. 😋

Where is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck located?

Here’s a map. Get it? Got it? Good. Let’s go find that Shrimp Truck!

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck Map

At Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck:

Found Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck!

A crowd of people.

Tables are available if you’re interested in dining here. FYI, it was busy, full, and packed!

The food. 12 shrimps and 2 scoops of rice.

Let’s explore North Shore some more!

That small town feel, but it’s in Hawaii.

Shaved Ice Truck

North Shore Marketplace

To the right: Surf Board Shop & Shaved Ice

Seashell stand. Interesting…

North Shore Surf Shop

I’m feeling that laid-back beach, surfer atmosphere. It’s a whole different environment compared to the touristy Waikiki. I enjoyed my time here. Let’s come back when the sun is out. I want to feel the sunshine on my face on the North Shore. 🌞

Goodbye North Shore *waves*

North Shore, Hawaii. Soooo prettyyy!!

Awesome place to be if you love being at the ocean, to surf, hangout with friends, and be chill. There’s nowhere else I would rather be than the North Shore in Hawaii. ❤ Have you been to the North Shore in Hawaii? How did you like it? What’s your favorite place and thing to do on the North Shore? 😊

I’m at Hanauma Bay State Park! Hanamua Bay is not a “sports beach” like Kailua Beachand Lanikai Beach. It is a Nature Preserve. It is intended to protect the fragile marine ecosystem of Hanauma Bay. Great measures are held to protect and preserve the park, such as reducing the number of visitors to providing essential educational programs.

Hanauma Bay is one of the top, most popular tourist destinations in Oahu. Each year, there are millions of visitors. Up to 3,000 people are allowed in a single day. The park is known for its calm waters along with its dense population of tropical fish and marine life. At this park, the tropical fish are more tamed compared to other beaches. Hanauma Bay is a great place for beginners to snorkel.

As always, let’s learn some Hawaiin. Hana from Hanauma means “Bay”, and Uma means “Curved.” You will see why from the photos below!

Top, Side View at Hanauma Bay. Walking there.

Location:

It is located on the east side of Oahu.

Hanauma Bay Map

Parking:

$1.00 for the whole day with limited parking. I highly recommend arriving early, since there are only 300 parking stalls available. I had no issues finding a parking spot. I woke up early to go to Hanauma Bay though. If you leave the lot within 15 minutes, you can get a refund on the parking fee.

Entrance Fee:

Video Requirement:

For first-time visitors, you are required to watch a short video before entering the state park. As mentioned earlier, there are millions of visitors per year to Hanauma Bay. The park suffers dramatically from this. Participants are required to follow the rules to protect and preserve the park. Learn about the marine life. Do not touch or walk on the coral. Treat marine animals and environment with the utmost respect. At the end of the video, a sign-up list is available for people that decide to return again. The sign-up waives the requirement to watch the video again for 1 year.

Tickets to Orientation Show Time.

My Orientation Show started at 9:15 am. It was pretty full and packed. I guess everyone just wanted to go snorkeling in the majestic waters of Hanauma Bay. Unfortunately, it randomly started to rain hard when I was waiting outside for my turn. I was at the beginning of the line. Luckily, covered from the rain. Others, not so much. But, good news, it stopped right after the video.

Have you been to Hanauma Bay? How about snorkeling in Hanauma Bay? What are the best parts? What types of fish, marine life did you encounter? So many questions! I have a weird obsession with marine life. It’s really fascinating! 🙂

Travel Tips:

Hours: Opens at 6:00 am daily.

Closing Hours: 7:00 pm in the summer. 6:00 pm in the winter. Closed on Tuesdays. To minimize negative impact on the ecosystem. Also, closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Lockers: $8 for small (small items), $10 for large (a backpack).

Picnic tables, snack/drink bar.

Tourist shop, but it’s expensive.

Restrooms to change, showers outdoors to wash yourself off.

Snorkel gear available. It is $20. That is overpriced! I highly recommend going to Target or even Walmart to buy your own snorkel gear. It’s relatively way cheaper.

Heard of water shoes? Get them. Your feet will appreciate your thoughtfulness.